Supplementary
Education, Support Challenge &
Intervention News
Newsletter 25th May 2017
Dear Colleagues
We are very aware that schools will be fielding questions from concerned parents and
anxious children and young people in the aftermath of the appalling attack that took place in
Manchester on Monday evening. We have pulled together some of the most up to date
guidance and official messages that you may be able to use when formulating your
responses. Included in this update are some specific messages relating to the Luton
International Carnival that is taking place on Sunday. We hope you will find this update
helpful and we will keep you appraised of any further developments that we become aware
of.
John
John Wrigglesworth
Service Director Education: Support Challenge and Intervention
[email protected]
01582 548007
Important safeguarding messages and advice
Terror threat raised to 'critical': National Policing response 24th May 2017
Please click below to see message from National Policing Lead for Counter-Terrorism,
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley
http://www.luton.gov.uk/news/Pages/Terror-threat-raised-to-critical-National-Policingresponse.aspx
Useful links
The following organisations have issued advice for staying safe:
 Guidance for parents from Childline
 Guidance for teachers/schools from PSHE association
 How to speak to children about terrorist attacks and terrorism
 Recognising the terrorist threat and remaining vigilant (National Counter Terrorism
Security Office)
 GOV.UK - Recognising the terrorist threat
 Action Counters Terrorism - Why ACT?
 National Police Chiefs' Council - Stay safe
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Information for schools – Luton International Carnival
Dear Headteachers
Following the terrible attack at Manchester Arena and the subsequent increase in the
country’s threat level to Critical, Luton Council together with partner agencies including
Bedfordshire Police have been reviewing the plans and arrangements for Luton Carnival.
The Carnival is a major celebration in the events calendar for the town and profiles the
diverse nature of the town’s communities as well as providing a flamboyant parade, a myriad
of entertainments and music which is enjoyed by thousands of participants and visitors.
The organisers - UK Centre for Carnival Arts, together with Luton Council and Bedfordshire
Police want to reassure all communities that there is a full security and policing operation in
place and there will be a large number of staff, volunteers, security and police on hand to
keep the public safe.
It is understandable that people wanting to attend and/or participate may be nervous
following the events of the past few days but a full joint operation is in place focusing on
safeguarding the public and is subject to thorough and regular reviews on the run up to the
event.
We look forward to a diverse, vibrant and safe event which will launch the Carnival season
across the UK.
You may also find the resources below helpful:
Chief Jon Boutcher video message regarding the carnival
(https://www.facebook.com/bedspolice/videos/10155034723691311/)
How to speak to children about terrorist attacks and terrorism see EAH twitter feed –
https://twitter.com/EducateAgainst
Official Home Offices messages
Incident in Manchester official message 1
Thank you for quick responses over the last few days. We really appreciate all of your
feedback on local sentiments and reactions. We are using this information to advise
Ministers and shape our response. Please do keep talking to us about any new
developments particularly on reactions in communities, far right activity and any broader
concerns.
Please also continue telling us about local engagement with communities to provide
reassurance and promote messages of solidarity. Many areas are already planning interfaith
activity and acts of unity. You can continue to amplify these by using the hashtag
#westandtogether. You may also want to see and share the link to:
https://business.facebook.com/WeStandTogetherForPeace
We will continue to provide updates and share information with you. Below are some of the
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statements on the attack and response, including the change in the threat level (helpful
description of threat levels of MI5 website here). Both statements call for the public to be
‘alert but not alarmed’. There are also links to sources advice for schools and other support.
Statements
·
Prime Minister: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-followingsecond-cobr-meeting-on-manchester-attack-23-may-2017 Please see below extract:
‘I do not want the public to feel unduly alarmed. We have faced a serious terrorist threat in
our country for many years. And the operational response I have just outlined is a
proportionate and sensible response to the threat that our security experts judge we face. I
ask everybody to be vigilant, and to cooperate with and support the police as they go about
their important work’
Further advice and support
·
A webpage with advice for victims and those affected by the attack has gone live on
gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manchester-attack-may-2017-support-for-peopleaffected
·
We advise the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or
activity on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency the public should always call 999. For further
information about reporting suspicious behaviour visit https://act.campaign.gov.uk/. If you get
caught up in the rare event of a weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell
advice.
Incident in Manchester official Home Office message 2
You will have seen reports of the horrific attack in Manchester. Our thoughts are with those
affected.
It’s at times like this that the network comes into its own. We ask that you:
1. Tell us - feed in to the Home Office any local reactions and activity,
2. Reach out - to partners and faith leaders to provide messages of solidarity and
reassurance, and to
3. Amplify - those messages using the hashtag: #westandtogether
Please feedback sentiments and activity to the DI inbox [email protected] . We are working closely with OCE
colleagues who will be sharing this message with their networks too.
Statements
You may find there statements below useful. You will see that they are calling for unity; and
for courage and dignity in our response and highlighting the acts of courage that
show the best of humanity and our country including people who helped victims in the
attack.
The Home Secretary issued this statement (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-
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secretarys-statement-on-the-manchester-attack)
Information and links
A link to victim support can also be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manchesterattack-may-2017-support-for-people-affected
Emergency numbers have been established for anyone who is concerned for loved ones
who may not have returned home, Greater Manchester Police have set up an emergency
telephone number in response to the attack: 0800 096 0095.
MI5 statement: https://www.mi5.gov.uk/news/director-general-statement-on-manchesterattack
Ofqual has issued a statement on exams:
https://mobile.twitter.com/ofqual/status/866932260364312576
For your information please see attached Lock Down Procedure for schools
Lock Down.docx
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